Party in the Palm Room, an exclusive mezzanine space for up to 13 guests that overlooks the distinctive European glitz and glamour of Gimlet. For private moments a curtain separates the space from the main dining room but most leave it open to enjoy the bustling vibe of the restaurant. Reminiscent of a European brasserie, Gimlet is theatrical. With waitstaff dressed to the nines in crisp shirts and suits and a drinks list which starts with gin gimlets and takes diners on a global tour of wine regions, the Palm Room comes with its own private sommelier. Love oysters and caviar? Wood-fired seafood? Affogato for dessert? At Gimlet these are on the menu. 33 Russell St, Melbourne; gimlet.melbourne.

A relaxed garden bistro from the team behind Cam’s Kiosk in the picturesque grounds of Abbotsford Convent, Julie is named after owner and chef, Julieanna Blum, who leads an all-female team with Anna Clifford on front of house duties, and an independent wine list curated by former Public Wine Shop sommelier, Claudelle Savannah. Sustained by the flourishing kitchen gardens in the historic inner north cloister, Julie offers unpretentious seasonal fare in convivial dinner party-like surrounds. The private dining experience is an extension of this relaxed abundance, with space for up to 25 as well as all-venue takeovers. 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford; julierestaurant.com.au

Hotel Nacional is a CBD haven for the coeliacs who want to enjoy a night out without the worry. Drawing inspiration from the heritage of the Oaxacan and Yucatan regions in Mexico, Hotel Nacional offers a menu that celebrates the best of Mexican flavours while ensuring every dish is entirely gluten-free. It was already a perfect spot for (dietary friendly) group dining, with multiple spaces across the venue (including a dreamy rooftop bar), but the reveal of Radio Nacional has taken it to a new level – with the dedicated event space equipped with state-of-the-art hi-fi equipment, with space for up to 100, bookable seven days a week. 23-25 Hardware Ln, Melbourne; hotelnacional.co.

Entrecôte may have moved from South Yarra to Prahran but they’ve retained the same captivating French ambiance. Your guests will be exclaiming ‘ooh la la’ as they enter Le Salon Privé, the private dining room. The charming room for groups of up to 30 has a wall of the sommelier’s handpicked drops, marble benches and velvet chairs. Alternatively, you can host more at an end of year soirée outside in Le Conservatoire, the prettiest, most picturesque courtyard in town in which to eat steak frites and sip free flowing rosé, Chablis or Champagne. 142 Greville St, Prahran; entrecote.com.au.

CBD icon Florentino is in the hands of its new owners, the group behind Reine & La Rue. The grandeur of Florentino Dining Room and Cellar Bar has been carefully retained, while Grossi Grill has relaunched as Tuscan-inspired grill Café Florentino, its original name back in 1928. Guests after some privacy can hole up in The Wynn Room – with seating for 30 and glimpses of plane trees through stained-glass windows – or a moodily intimate private dining space for eight. 80 Bourke St, Melbourne; florentino.melbourne

The Bowery Room and the aptly named Private Dining Room, situated above the historic pub with leafy views over iconic Fitzroy streets, are perfect for seated events or cocktail parties. Andrew McConnell has been dishing up celebratory meals in Melbourne for decades and he’s renowned for his casual, contemporary Australian cuisine. The pub’s signature dish, whipped cod roe and flat bread, features on every party menu, and a centrepiece of Wagyu rump, cooked over coals on the rotisserie and served with sides such as chopped broccoli, mint and freekeh salad, roasted carrots with goats curd and buttery Kestrel potatoes is sure to make your guests smile. 211 Gertrude St, Fitzroy; buildersarmshotel.com.au.

Three private rooms sit above the Society Dining Room on their own dedicated event floor. From an exclusive evening centred around the private kitchen of the Green Room, to classic cocktails at Bar Privé, the dedicated bar for private dining, the East and West spaces can be partitioned or interlinked personalised dining experience for up to 60 seated or 80 standing guests. 80 Collins St, Melbourne; 80collins.com.au.

Good things come in threes, that’s the philosophy at Yūgen Restaurant. Why have one dining option when you can offer a trio of Modern Asian experiences? There’s the main restaurant, bar and private dining space; a six-seater omakase, and a golden orb-shaped dining room suspended from the ceiling. It’s in this otherworldly sphere that groups of 6-9 can enjoy the chef’s experience menu – 8 courses of delicate and innovative Japanese dishes with optional wine and sake pairings. 605 Chapel St, South Yarra; yugendining.com.au.

It doesn’t get more Melbourne than lunch at The Espy. St Kilda’s Esplanade Hotel has been an icon since 1878 and is loved for the ocean breeze skimming off St Kilda Beach, its grand Queen Anne architecture and its versatility. Over five levels of bars and event spaces, The Espy is just as great for casual hangouts in the Balcony Bar as it is for modern-Cantonese dining at Mya Tiger or gothic cocktail functions in The Ghost of Alfred Fenton room. 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda; hotelesplanade.com.au.

Kisumé has your end of year celebrations covered top to toe, with private dining spaces across three levels depending on your needs. Seriously. With options of the Chef’s Table, Chablis Bar, Kuro Private Dining Room upstairs, Hanza Private Dining Room and Chika Private Dining Room downstairs, each space is available to be booked for your event. Luxe golden curtains, walls of wine, and sleek interiors make for a properly sophisticated party space. 175 Flinders Ln, Melbourne; kisume.com.au.

Labyrinthian and romantic, the sprawling Garden State Hotel is an eclectic green oasis with all sorts of dining spaces for groups. Casual tables in the lofted beer garden, exclusive use of the Tippy Tay cocktail lounge, gatherings in the dark and moody Balcony Dining Room, and more – set menus start at $69 per person for three courses, or canape selections from $35 per person. 101 Flinders Ln, Melbourne; gardenstatehotel.com.au.

On level one overlooking Flinders Lane, Chin 1 and Chin 2 are fabulous light and bright private dining areas excellent for long table Christmas events for larger groups. Beneath the restaurant lies GoGo Bar – an underground bar space that can also be booked for end of year events. Lit up by neon signs, the velvet booths and leather banquettes give the space an edgy vibe. Chin Chin is a fun place and they know how to party. Choose from a wide selection of fresh zingy canapes or opt for the ‘feed me’ menu. Cocktails, wine and beer are from the restaurant’s current menu. Lime, basil, chilli, coconut milk and fresh herbs all feature here. 125 Flinders Ln, Melbourne; chinchinrestaurant.com.au.

Suzie Q, I love you. By that we mean, we love your pork buns, your kingfish sashimi, your retro groove and your after-dinner karaoke rooms. This 80s-inspired two-level Cantonese restaurant on Chapel Street is the spot for the cool kids with private dining space and eight-course banquets starting from just $59.50 per person. 247 Chapel St, Prahran; suzieq.melbourne.

The playful little sister of Il Bacaro and Bar Carolina, Marameo channels a hazy afternoon of aperitivo on the Sorrento coast, down to the sun-drenched terrace. It’s set up perfectly for group revelry over plates of classic Italian fare, with a private Dining Room that seats up to 24, a semi-private Marble Table for 10-16 of your closet amici, or bask on the all-weather Terrace under its striped awnings. 6 Russell Pl, Melbourne; marameo.com.au

The Saint Kilda icon is still trading while renovations are being undertaken by its new owner, Grant Smillie (of Marmont in the CBD). While former event space The Deck is transforming into a public space, there’s still the Sainthill Room, an indoor dining room with a balcony, and the lush, romantic Atrium Courtyard. The flavours of the Mediterranean are ever present in the relaxed but polished dishes on offer. The Prince is known for its wine list which offers everything from local drops to Dom Perignon; book into the Little Prince Wine Cellar to go straight to the source. 2 Acland St, St Kilda; theprince.com.au.